Youth Support Specialist – Alba Collaborative

New Avenues for Youth; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Paid time off

Employee assistance program

Retirement plan

Employee discounts

Job summary

New Avenues for Youth in Portland, OR is seeking a Youth Support Specialist on the Alba team to help youth access services, coordinate intakes, and support housing placements.

You will mentor youths, advocate for their needs, connect with other providers, and lead group sessions and individual meetings. A commitment to trauma-informed care and equity is essential.

The position is a three-day in-office schedule with weekend coverage and competitive hourly wages, plus a robust benefits package.

Qualifications

• Two years minimum experience working with high-risk youth.
• Understand substance abuse, mental health, trauma, abuse and adolescent development including brain development.
• Experience, ability and commitment to working with sexual minority and culturally diverse staff, participants and community.
• Excellent communication, organization, creativity, flexibility, optimism, positive humor and overall interpersonal skills.
• An understanding of Positive Youth Development model and Trauma Informed Care.
• Must have access to an automobile, a valid driver’s license, and active auto insurance on that vehicle.
• Must be willing to be CPR trained and certified.

Responsibilities

• Meet Youth with Support and Compassion: Be the first point of contact in a youth’s journey to access services through the Alba Collaborative. Coordinate intakes, assessments, and emergency housing placements.
• Be a Mentor and Guide: Build genuine connections with youth, share relevant and intentional experiences to instill confidence and build trust.
• Empower Through Advocacy: Help young people navigate complex systems, access resources, collaborate and coordinate with other providers, and make informed decisions about their own recovery journey.
• Support Growth and Learning: Lead and participate in group sessions, recreational activities, and individual support meetings that foster connection and personal development.
• Document the Journey: Maintain accurate and timely records, ensuring that our programs have the data they need to thrive and continue serving those who need it most.

Skills

Youth experience

Active listening

Empathy

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Creativity

Flexibility

Equity awareness

Job description

Three-day work week. Sat urday and Sunday 8am-8:30pm at $21.00 an hour; Wednesday 8pm-8:30am at $23.00 an hour.

Are you eager to be a part of the change and care that supports youth in our community? Do you have the drive or experience to be an assurance and lift for young people facing houselessness? If so, New Avenues for Youth is seeking a Youth Support Specialist on the Alba team.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of two years of experience working with high-risk youth.
• Understand the issues of substance abuse, mental health, trauma, abuse and adolescent development including brain development.
• Experience, ability and commitment to working with sexual minority and culturally diverse staff, participants and community.
• Excellent communication, organization, creativity, flexibility, optimism, positive humor and overall interpersonal skills.
• An understanding of Positive Youth Development model and Trauma Informed Care.
• Must have access to an automobile, a valid driver’s license, and active auto insurance on that vehicle.
• Must be willing to be CPR trained and certified.

What You’ll Do:

• Meet Youth with Support and Compassion: Be the first point of contact in a youth’s journey to access services through the Alba Collaborative. Coordinate intakes, assessments, and emergency housing placements.
• Be a Mentor and Guide: Build genuine connections with youth, share relevant and intentional experiences to instill confidence and build trust.
• Empower Through Advocacy: Help young people navigate complex systems, access resources, collaborate and coordinate with other providers, and make informed decisions about their own recovery journey.
• Support Growth and Learning: Lead and participate in group sessions, recreational activities, and individual support meetings that foster connection and personal development.
• Document the Journey: Maintain accurate and timely records, ensuring that our programs have the data they need to thrive and continue serving those who need it most.

Who You Are:

• Experienced: You have faced and overcome challenges related to substance use, mental health, and/or houselessness. Your experience is a source of strength and fuels your compassion and care.
• Compassionate Listener: You offer empathy without judgment, creating a safe space for young people to share their stories and struggles.
• Reliable Advocate: You are committed to showing up consistently, building trust, and following through on your promises to young people.
• Growth-Oriented: You embrace continuous learning, seeking new knowledge and skills to better support yourself and the youth you serve.
• Equity-Focused: You understand how systemic oppression impacts the lives of youth in programs and the systems that you will support youth in navigating. You approach this world with humility and a deep sense of growth and learning.

Join New Avenues and…

• Make an Impact: Provide consistent support, guidance around resources, and advocacy.
• Thrive in a Supportive Team: Join a collaborative and inclusive environment where your contributions are celebrated.
• Grow as a Professional: Receive ongoing training, mentorship, and opportunities for career advancement.

Enjoy a Robust Benefits Package:

• health, vision, and dental insurance at zero cost to the employee (with options to cover family members)
• generous paid time off
• a comprehensive employee assistance program
• a retirement savings plan
• and access to employee discounts

Our Commitment to Equity:

At New Avenues for Youth, we envision a community where all young people thrive. We recognize that historical inequities and intersecting forms of oppression have created barriers for many. We are unwavering in our commitment to dismantling these barriers and fostering a truly equitable space where every voice is heard and valued.

Any candidate deemed viable for this position based on resources and resume submission will be contacted to participate in a screen interview to discuss interest and job compatibility. Of those screened, advancing candidates will be asked to participate in a subsequent interview or interviews to evaluate job qualifications and interest further. From this process, a hiring selection will be made.

New Avenues for Youth is an Equal Opportunity Employer.